Follow FNP on Twitter @ twitter.com/fnpnascar or search for FantasyNASCARPreview.com on Facebook for breaking fantasy NASCAR updates and extended fantasy NASCAR coverage.
A List – 48, 24, 11, 2, 99, 16, 18, 14
- The two Hendrick horses (48 and 24) look to be the best. In Happy Hour, Johnson ranked 2nd in 10 lap average while Gordon ranked 4th.
- The Fords are showing more speed here, which is expected, than they have all season. I do like the 99 and 16, but still don’t have the confidence to start them over the 48, 24 or 11.
B List – 31, 17, 29, 9, 39, 20, 56, 6, 1, 88
- The 31, 17 and 29 make up the first tier of B Listers. They’re all very fast in race trim, with Burton getting the #1 ranking due to starting position. Burton mentioned in an interview that they took some initial speed out of the car after Saturday’s 1st practice to make the car better on long runs. He wants to be able to run the car anywhere on the racetrack late in runs and think the car is there.
- Kenseth and Harvick both have very fast cars that are good on long runs. Kenseth was 3rd in 10 lap average, moving him into the #2 ranking, just ahead of Harvick. They both start way back tomorrow, but Michigan provides plenty of room for fast cars to move up through the field.
- The next tier includes the 9 and 39. Both were fast in practice and start in the Top 10. Kahne led all cars in 10 lap average, giving him the nod over Newman in my rankings.
- The 20, 56, 6, 1, 88 make up the last tier of B List drivers. If I had any confidence in Ragan, he’d get a higher ranking. I know he’s been fast, I just can’t convince myself to start him. Logano ranked 5th in 10 lap averages, giving him the highest ranking of this group.
- The 88 said his car is extremely inconsistent and is doing something different every lap.
- The 33 struggled all day and hit the wall late in Happy Hour. They are going to a backup car and unfortunately will not get any laps in that car until the green flag tomorrow. He should not be started tomorrow.
C List – 98, 43, 78, 77, 21
- Menard looks to be the class of the C List. He starts back in 21st, but ranked 1st and 2nd in Saturday’s practice sessions.
- Allmendinger ranked in the Top 20 in both practice sessions Saturday and should be solid tomorrow.
- Smith has quietly been fast all weekend. I ranked the 43 ahead of him due to consistency week to week, but Smith’s practice speeds make me believe he can run in the Top 20 on Sunday.
- The Red Bull guys haven’t shown anything this weekend.
I’m leaning towards starting the 48, 31, 17, 98 over the 11, 29, 20, 77. But the 20 is still in play for the 31’s spot if I decide to go with a start save.
Make sure to check out our NASCAR Forum tomorrow morning for my final picks for Michigan.
Winner: Jimmie Johnson
Sleepers: Menard/Logano
